Wednesday, October 26, 2016

WWU - 7 Miles!

This is what it takes to get ready for our 7 miler:
I mixed up Tailwind for both Jeff and I, poured about half into our water bottles and froze them overnight, then added the rest on Saturday morning.  Extra water bottles are for post-run water.

I was so excited about this run - not particularly because we were running 7 miles, but because a cold front was predicted to be coming in.  Sure enough, when I left the gift shop at 1:00 pm on Thursday, the wind was blowing and the temps were dropping!  And when my alarm went off on Saturday morning, first thing I did was to check the weather.  I almost cried when I saw this:
48 degrees.  PERFECT temperature for a long run.  

I didn't let the cold sway me into overdressing - I wore a short-sleeved shirt, and my only concession to the chilly air was to wear my $1 stretchy Target gloves.  I started out cold but quickly warmed up, although I never ended up taking my gloves off.  It was just wonderful to not slog through 100% humidity and temps in the 70s or 80s.

Diane and I ran 3:1 intervals again.  Cary joined us - she's been dealing with some bad back pain and wasn't up to running her usual speed; I'd like to say that we slowed down for her but really, Diane and I just ran like two people who haven't run 7 miles in a very long time.  But we ran it and felt so much better than the previous week, when we ran 6.2 miles for the Nutrabolt 10K race; this was, once again, confirmation that we're kind of better runners than the weather lets us be.  Of course that doesn't mean we'll end up being speed demons, but I think we'd just like to finish a long run and not feel like death.  So welcome, cool weather - PLEASE stay around a while!

For the first time this season, I wore my Orange Mud Hydraquiver because I wanted to carry more than 8 ounces of fuel with me, especially after feeling like I ran out of gas on the Nutrabolt race.  The bottle holds 24 ounces, and once we'd run about 1.5 miles, I tried to drink a swig of Tailwind every time we hit a walking interval.  I carried some gummy chews with me as well, but never felt like I needed them, which was great - Tailwind alone sets well with my stomach, so if I can get by with just using that, I'll be a happy runner.  I finished the run with some fuel still in the bottle, but I never felt like I ran out of energy.

After we got back to the RRC clubhouse, it was time to relax and play with Cary and Brian's dogs.  They were happy to see us, and Koda, the chocolate lab, was especially enamored with Andi - she was using a tennis ball to work out a tight spot on her leg, and Koda grabbed the ball at one point!  It was pretty understandable, and cute as well.  Koda also decided Jeff was his personal salt lick:
Slurp!  

While Abi made a new best friend with Diane:
Abi wedged herself under Diane and stayed there for quite a while - she's so cute, it's hard not to keep petting her!

It was a fun morning and I think everyone felt pretty invigorated by the beautiful weather.  I have to say, it's nice that the weather is turning cooler (and hopefully staying that way) just as we are increasing our mileage.  I couldn't have asked for a better day to run 7 miles.

19 comments:

  1. A change in the weather is so nice! Good job on your run.
    We were cool last weekend but it is back to the 80's and low 60's at night here in Orlando. Not bad since the humidly has been low too.

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    1. Same temps as you here this week, but yes, with the humidity being lower it feels a lot better!

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  2. I had the same thought about weather as I ran this morning. Even though I love summer, colder weather really is better for running.

    I was wondering how you felt about Tailwind as I have a fussy stomach for running fuel. I still have some Nuun but I'm going to need to find something once it's gone.

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    1. I like the Tailwind - wanted to give it a good test run before posting a review on it (I'm on my second bag, so I'm getting there). It doesn't replace Nuun, as Nuun has no calories...Tailwind replaces GU and the like. So far, so good with the fussy stomach. :)

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  3. Glad you are liking the Tailwind! I have the opportunity to try UCAN and I'm on the fence about it.

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    1. I've not heard of UCAN, but why mess with perfection if Tailwind works for you?

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  4. I love when Abi makes an appearance on your blog! I can't use a tennis ball to roll tight spots for that same reason, my lab always thinks I want to play.

    Yay for some cool weather that felt just right!

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    1. I mean, what else are tennis balls for, really? ;)

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  5. I love running in the cool temps!!! If my sinus gunk would clear out so that ever step doesn't feel like a jackhammer in my head so I can get out I would be a happy girl!!!

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    1. It's no fun running with a stopped up head, that's for sure. Feel better soon!

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  6. Cooler weather is great for working out, although we might actually get snow tomorrow - that's too far cold LOL

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  7. That kind of weather makes all the difference in the world! I apologize for not knowing, but are you training for something specific? Half marathon?

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    1. I'm training for the Aramco Houston half marathon in January.

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  8. Never heard of Tailwind. I love learning about new things from your blog 😃 Yay for nice cool weather!!

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    1. I'll have to write a post about Tailwind soon. It's good stuff.

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  9. What a perfect day! And to finish with fuel left and feeling good is AWESOME! I hope you have a lot more runs like this!!!

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  10. I loved this post - but the best line? "I'll be a happy runner" Imagine saying that sentence 8 years ago!

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  11. What a perfect day and weather for a run. So happy it finally cooled down a bit and you had a great run.

    Love the dogs!

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